Systems and methods for marking ladders using sublimation heat transfer

Abstract

Systems and methods of marking ladders. In one embodiment, a method generally includes contacting a ladder portion with an image reverse printed on a paper sheet with at least one sublimation ink, and applying heat to the paper sheet such that at least a portion of the ink sublimates from the paper sheet into the ladder portion.

1. A method for marking a ladder comprising contacting a ladder portion with an image reverse printed on a paper sheet with at least one sublimation ink, and applying heat to the paper sheet such that at least a portion of the ink sublimates from the paper sheet into the ladder portion. 
   
   
     2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ladder portion includes a fiberglass rail of the ladder. 
   
   
     3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising allowing a customer to select the image. 
   
   
     4. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising acquiring a digital image and reverse printing the digital image on the paper sheet with the sublimation ink such the ladder portion is provided with an image corresponding to the digital image. 
   
   
     5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein acquiring the digital image comprises digitally photographing a customer. 
   
   
     6. The method of  claim 4 , wherein acquiring the digital image comprises converting a traditional photograph to a digital image. 
   
   
     7. The method of  claim 4 , wherein acquiring the digital image comprises accessing one or more computer-readable storage media in which the digital image is stored. 
   
   
     8. The method of  claim 4 , wherein acquiring the digital image comprises acquiring the digital image over a network. 
   
   
     9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the image comprises at least one of a photograph, a photographic print, an alphanumeric character, a logo, a distinctive mark, an identifying symbol, an advertisement, a trademark, a name, a monogram, a sports team insignia, artwork, an art print, one or more indicia, and a graphic design. 
   
   
     10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the image provided on the ladder portion allows the ladder to be readily identified. 
   
   
     11. A method of safeguarding a ladder comprising contacting a ladder portion with an image reverse printed on a paper sheet with at least one sublimation ink, and applying heat to the paper sheet such that at least a portion of the ink sublimates from the paper sheet into the ladder portion to provide the ladder portion with an image that allows the ladder to be readily identified. 
   
   
     12. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising allowing a customer to select the image. 
   
   
     13. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the image resembles a customer's appearance. 
   
   
     14. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising acquiring a digital image and reverse printing the digital image on the paper sheet with the sublimation ink such the ladder portion is provided with an image corresponding to the digital image. 
   
   
     15. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the image comprises at least one of a photograph, a photographic print, an alphanumeric character, a logo, a distinctive mark, an identifying symbol, an advertisement, a trademark, a name, a monogram, a sports team insignia, artwork, an art print, one or more indicia, and a graphic design. 
   
   
     16. A system for marking a ladder comprising a printer for reverse printing an image onto a paper sheet with at least one sublimation ink, and a heat press adapted to hold a portion of the ladder in contact with the reverse-printed image while applying heat to the paper sheet, the heat causing at least a portion of the ink to sublimate from the paper sheet into the ladder portion. 
   
   
     17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the ladder portion includes a fiberglass rail of the ladder. 
   
   
     18. The system of  claim 16 , further comprising a digital image capture device operatively associated with the printer to allow the printer to reverse print digital images captured by the digital image capture device.